Cartridge-based computing system

ABSTRACT

A cartridge-based computing system includes a display stand that connects to a compute module cartridge including a first securing member, a second securing member, and a release member coupled to the second securing member. The display stand defines a securing aperture that engages the first securing member when the compute module cartridge is connected to the display stand, which causes the first securing member to engage a securing element on the display stand and move it into engagement with the second securing member to connect the compute module cartridge to the display stand. The securing element may then be engaged by the release member to move it out of engagement with the second securing member, and into engagement with the first securing member to cause the securing aperture to disengage the first securing member and disconnect the compute module cartridge from the display stand.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/946,641, attorney docket no. 118439.01, filed Jun. 30, 2020, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to information handlingsystems, and more particularly information handling system familiesutilizing information handling systems cartridges to couple theinformation handling system to components.

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option available to users is information handling systems. Aninformation handling system generally processes, compiles, stores,and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or otherpurposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of theinformation. Because technology and information handling needs andrequirements vary between different users or applications, informationhandling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled,how the information is handled, how much information is processed,stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the informationmay be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in informationhandling systems allow for information handling systems to be general orconfigured for a specific user or specific use such as financialtransaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage,or global communications. In addition, information handling systems mayinclude a variety of hardware and software components that may beconfigured to process, store, and communicate information and mayinclude one or more computer systems, data storage systems, andnetworking systems.

A growing trend in information handling systems such as, for example,desktop computing devices, is to provide those desktop computing devicesin an “all-in-one” configuration that reduces the amount of space/volumeoccupied by that desktop computing device. For example, “all-in-one”desktop computing devices included in the OPTIPLEX® family of computingdevices available from DELL® Inc. of Round Rock, Tex., United States,utilize a compute module that may be “hidden in plain sight” whileproviding a minimal footprint by connecting that compute module to adisplay stand that supports a display utilized with the compute module.However, conventional “all-in-one” desktop computing devices require anydisplay stand that is provided for use as part of the “all-in-one”desktop computing devices to be configured to connect to a particularcompute module that is provided for use with the display stand as partof the “all-in-one” desktop computing device. As such, conventional“all-in-one” desktop computing device families are accompanied byrelatively high costs, particular when different display stands areprovided for use with any particular “all-in-one” desktop computingdevice family, as each of those different display stands may requiredifferent features for connecting to a compute module that is providedwith its “all-in-one” desktop computing device family.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a cartridge-based computemodule that simulates an all-in-one computing experience whileaddressing the issues discussed above.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, an Information Handling System (IHS)includes a compute module cartridge including a first display standsecuring member, a second display stand securing member that is locatedopposite the compute module cartridge from the first display standsecuring member, and a release member that is coupled to the seconddisplay stand securing member; a compute module that is housed in thecompute module cartridge and that includes: a processing system; and amemory system that is coupled to the processing system and that includesinstructions that, when executed by the processing system, cause theprocessing system to provide computing operations; and a display standthat is configured to connect to the compute module cartridge, whereinthe display stand includes: a securing aperture that is defined by thedisplay stand and that is configured to engage the first display standsecuring member when the compute module cartridge is connected to thedisplay stand; and a securing element that is configured to be engagedby the first display stand securing member when the compute modulecartridge is connected to the display stand in order to move thesecuring element in a first direction relative to the display stand andinto engagement with the second display stand securing member on thecompute module cartridge, wherein the securing element is configured tobe engaged by the release member on the compute module cartridge to movethe securing element in a second direction that is opposite the firstdirection and cause the securing element to: disengage the seconddisplay stand securing member; and engage the first display standsecuring member to cause the securing aperture to disengage the firstdisplay stand securing member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an embodiment of an InformationHandling System (IHS).

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view illustrating an embodiment of acompute module that may be utilized in the cartridge-based computingsystem of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thecompute module of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view illustrating an embodiment of acompute module cartridge that may be utilized in the cartridge-basedcomputing system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thecompute module cartridge of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is an exploded perspective view illustrating an embodiment ofthe compute module cartridge of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 3D is a \ rear perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thecompute module cartridge of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 3E is a \ rear perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thecompute module cartridge of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 3F is a rear perspective view illustrating an embodiment of acartridge cap on the compute module cartridge of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 3G is a rear perspective view illustrating an embodiment of analternate cartridge cap on the compute module cartridge of FIGS. 3A and3B.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a displaystand that may be utilized in the cartridge-based computing system ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a front view illustrating an embodiment of the display standof FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a cartridgesecuring element included on the display stand of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a cableguide element included on the display stand of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of ejection andlocking features included on the display stand of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4F is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a latchingelement included on the display stand of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method forproviding a cartridge-based computing system.

FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view illustrating an embodiment ofthe compute module of FIGS. 2A and 2B being coupled to the computemodule cartridge of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the computemodule of FIGS. 2A and 2B being coupled to the compute module cartridgeof FIGS. 3A and 3B

FIG. 6C is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thecartridge cap being coupled to the compute module cartridge of FIGS. 3Aand 3B.

FIG. 6D is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thecartridge cap coupled to the compute module cartridge of FIGS. 3A and 3Bto secure the compute module of FIGS. 2A and 2B in the compute modulecartridge.

FIG. 6E is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the computemodule of FIGS. 2A and 2B in the compute module cartridge of FIGS. 3Aand 3B.

FIG. 6F is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the computemodule of FIGS. 2A and 2B in the compute module cartridge of FIGS. 3Aand 3B.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the computemodule cartridge of FIGS. 3A and 3B being coupled to the display standof FIGS. 4A-4G.

FIG. 7B is a front view illustrating an embodiment of the display standof FIGS. 4A-4G prior to being coupled to the compute module cartridge ofFIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 7C is a front view illustrating an embodiment of the compute modulecartridge of FIGS. 3A and 3B being coupled to the display stand of FIGS.4A-4G.

FIG. 7D is a front view illustrating an embodiment of the compute modulecartridge of FIGS. 3A and 3B being coupled to the display stand of FIGS.4A-4G.

FIG. 7E is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating an embodimentof the compute module cartridge of FIGS. 3A and 3B being coupled to thedisplay stand of FIGS. 4A-4G.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the computemodule cartridge and compute module of FIG. 6C coupled to the displaystand of FIGS. 4A-4G.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the computemodule cartridge and compute module of FIG. 6C coupled to an alternatedisplay stand.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the computemodule cartridge and compute module of FIG. 6C coupled to an alternatedisplay stand.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the computemodule cartridge and compute module of FIG. 6C being coupled to a wallmount.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the computemodule cartridge and compute module of FIG. 6C being coupled to thealternate display stand of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the computemodule cartridge and compute module of FIG. 6C being coupled to analternate display stand.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a lockingfeature that allows the compute module cartridge and compute module ofFIG. 6C to be locked to the display stand of FIGS. 4A-4G.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the lockingfeature of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating anembodiment of the compute module cartridge and compute module of FIG. 6Cbeing decoupled from the display stand of FIGS. 4A-4G.

FIG. 13B is a front view illustrating an embodiment of the computemodule cartridge and compute module of FIG. 6C being decoupled from thedisplay stand of FIGS. 4A-4G.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system mayinclude any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operableto compute, calculate, determine, classify, process, transmit, receive,retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, communicate, manifest,detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information,intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or otherpurposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personalcomputer (e.g., desktop or laptop), tablet computer, mobile device(e.g., personal digital assistant (PDA) or smart phone), server (e.g.,blade server or rack server), a network storage device, or any othersuitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality,and price. The information handling system may include random accessmemory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a centralprocessing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/orother types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of theinformation handling system may include one or more disk drives, one ormore network ports for communicating with external devices as well asvarious input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse,touchscreen and/or a video display. The information handling system mayalso include one or more buses operable to transmit communicationsbetween the various hardware components.

In one embodiment, IHS 100, FIG. 1 , includes a processor 102, which isconnected to a bus 104. Bus 104 serves as a connection between processor102 and other components of IHS 100. An input device 106 is coupled toprocessor 102 to provide input to processor 102. Examples of inputdevices may include keyboards, touchscreens, pointing devices such asmouses, trackballs, and trackpads, and/or a variety of other inputdevices known in the art. Programs and data are stored on a mass storagedevice 108, which is coupled to processor 102. Examples of mass storagedevices may include hard discs, optical disks, magneto-optical discs,solid-state storage devices, and/or a variety of other mass storagedevices known in the art. IHS 100 further includes a display 110, whichis coupled to processor 102 by a video controller 112. A system memory114 is coupled to processor 102 to provide the processor with faststorage to facilitate execution of computer programs by processor 102.Examples of system memory may include random access memory (RAM) devicessuch as dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), solid state memorydevices, and/or a variety of other memory devices known in the art. Inan embodiment, a chassis 116 houses some or all of the components of IHS100. It should be understood that other buses and intermediate circuitscan be deployed between the components described above and processor 102to facilitate interconnection between the components and the processor102.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an embodiment of a compute module 200is illustrated that may be utilized in the cartridge-based computingsystem of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment and theexamples below, the compute module 200 may be a compute module providedin a desktop computing device such as those included in the OPTIPLEX®family of desktop computing devices available from DELL® Inc. of RoundRock, Tex., United States. For example, the compute module 200 may beprovided by the IHS 100 discussed above with reference to FIG. 1 ,and/or may include some or all of the components of the IHS 100. In theillustrated embodiment, the compute module 200 includes a chassis 202that defines a chassis housing that houses the components of the computemodule 200, which one of skill in the art in possession of the presentdisclosure will recognize may include processing systems, memory systems(e.g., that include instructions that, when executed by the processingsystem, cause the processing system to perform a variety of computingoperations known in the art), storage systems, communication systems,and/or any other computing components known in the art. In manyembodiments, the compute module 200 provides a “stand-alone”,Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI)-certified computing system that maybe attached to computing components (e.g., input devices, displays,etc.) using only the cabling 204 (e.g., all electrical power and dataconnections may be made using the cabling 204 and without the need forany external circuit boards) in order to perform computing operationswithout being connected to the display stands and/or mounting solutionsdiscussed below, and thus one of skill in the art in possession of thepresent disclosure will appreciate that the compute module 200 may beprovided in a desktop drawer, cabinet, or other housing (e.g., ratherthan the display stands or mounting solutions discussed below) andconnected to a display and input device to provide a fully functioningdesktop computer.

The chassis 202 includes a front surface 202 a, a rear surface 202 bthat is located opposite the chassis 202 from the front surface 202 a, atop edge 202 c extending from the front surface 202 a and the rearsurface 202 b, a bottom edge 202 d that is located opposite the chassis202 from the top edge 202 c and that extends between the front surface202 a and the rear surface 202 b, and a pair of opposing side edges 202e and 202 f that are located opposite the chassis 202 from each otherand that extend between the front surface 202 a, the rear surface 202 b,the top edge 202 c, and the bottom edge 202 d. As illustrated, thechassis 202 may include airflow apertures on any or all of the frontsurface 202 a, the top edge 202 c, the bottom edge 202 d, and/or theside edges 202 e and 202 f, which one of skill in the art in possessionof the present disclosure will recognize may allow an airflow adjacentthe front surface 202 a and/or those edges 202 c, 202 d, 202 e, and/or202 f to enter the chassis housing defined by the chassis 202 in orderto cool the components housed in the chassis housing.

Furthermore, the chassis 202 may also include connectors on any or allof the front surface 202 a, the rear surface 202 b, the top edge 202 c,the bottom edge 202 d, and/or the side edges 202 e and 202 f that areconfigured to connect to cabling 204 that couples the compute module 200to other computing components as discussed in further detail below. Inthe illustrated embodiment, a heat dissipation cover 206 is coupled tothe rear surface 202 b of the chassis 202, and may provide the heatdissipation cover system described by some of the inventors of thepresent disclosure in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/946,643,attorney docket no. 118272.01, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. However,while a specific compute module 200 is illustrated and described below,one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure willrecognize that the teachings of the present disclosure may be utilizedwith other compute modules while remaining within the scope of thepresent disclosure as well.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G, embodiments of acompute module cartridge 300 are illustrated that, as discussed below,operates to house the compute module 200 in the cartridge-basedcomputing system of the present disclosure, while also being configuredto couple to any of a variety of display stands that are provided forone or more cartridge-based computing system families. In theillustrated embodiment, the compute module cartridge 300 includes a base302 having a front wall 302 a, a pair of side walls 302 b and 302 c thatextend from opposite sides of the front wall 302 a in a “curved” or“wrap-around” orientation that is discussed in further detail below, atop edge 302 d of the front wall 302 a and the side walls 302 b/302 c,and a bottom edge 302 e of the front wall 302 a and the side walls 302b/302 c that is located opposite the base 302 from the top edge 302 d.Furthermore, the front wall 302 a and the side walls 302 b and 302 cdefine a compute module housing 304 between them. In the illustratedembodiment, a low-friction surface 305 of the compute module cartridge300 is located adjacent the compute module housing 304 and may beconfigured to prevent aesthetic damage (e.g., scratching) of the outersurface of the compute module 200 during the coupling of the computemodule cartridge 300 to the compute module 200. While not called out inthe figures with element numbers, one of skill in the art in possessionof the present disclosure will recognize how the front wall 302 a and/orside walls 302 b and 302 c may include alignment and coupling featuresthat are configured to engage the compute module 200 and display standsdiscussed below in order to align and couple the compute modulecartridge 300 to the compute module 200 and those display stands.

As illustrated, a plurality of airflow apertures 306 are defined by theside wall 302 b and 302 c and may be configured to align with airflowapertures on the compute module 200 when the compute module 200 ishoused in the compute module cartridge 300. Furthermore, FIG. 3Aillustrates how a plurality of connector apertures 308 a and 308 b aredefined by the side wall 302 b and may be configured to align withconnectors on the compute module 200 when the compute module 200 ishoused in the compute module cartridge 300 (e.g., in order to allow thecabling 204 to connect to the compute module 200 through those connectorapertures), and one of skill in the art in possession of the presentdisclosure will recognize how the front wall 302 a, and/or the side wall302 c may define similar connector apertures as well. A cable routingchannel 310 is defined by the base wall 302 and extends into the basewall 302 from the bottom edge 302 e, and may be configured to align withconnectors on the compute module 200 when the compute module 200 ishoused in the compute module cartridge 300 (e.g., in order to allow thecabling 204 to connect to the compute module 200 and the cables on thatcabling 204 to be routed as discussed in further detail below.) As willbe appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the presentdisclosure, the compute module cartridge 300 may be configured so as tonot interfere with communications signals (e.g., BLUETOOTH® wirelesssignals, WIFI wireless signals, etc.) provided by communications systemsin the compute module 300.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3F, the compute module cartridge 300 mayinclude a cartridge cap 312 that is configured to be coupled to thecompute module cartridge 300 adjacent its top edge 302 d, and thecartridge cap 312 may include a release subsystem having a coupling arms312 a and 312 b that are configured to engage coupling features on thecompute module cartridge 300 (e.g., located adjacent the compute modulehousing 304) in order to connect the cartridge cap 312 to the computemodule cartridge 300. Furthermore, the coupling arm 314 a includesrelease elements 312 c and 312 d that may be actuated by a user bymoving the release element 312 c in a direction A to disengage thecoupling arm 312 a and the coupling features on the compute modulecartridge 300 in order to allow the cartridge cap 312 to be de-coupledfrom the compute module cartridge 300. Furthermore, the cartridge cap312 also includes a securing element 313 that is configured to engage adisplay stand to secure the cartridge cap 312 to that display stand.However, while a specific cartridge cap 312 is illustrated in FIGS. 3Aand 3F and described below, one of skill in the art in possession of thepresent disclosure will appreciate that a variety of different cartridgecaps may be provided with the compute module cartridge 300 of thepresent disclosure while remaining within its scope.

For example, FIG. 3G illustrates an alternative cartridge cap 314 thatmay replace the cartridge cap 312 discussed above, and that cartridgecap 314 includes a pair of coupling arms 314 a and 314 b that, asdiscussed below, are configured to engage coupling features on thecompute module cartridge 300 (e.g., located adjacent the compute modulehousing 304) in order to connect the cartridge cap 314 to the computemodule cartridge 300. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the artin possession of the present disclosure, the coupling arm 314 a and 314b may be actuated by a user by moving the coupling arms 314 a and 314 btowards each other (as indicated by the elements B in FIG. 3G) todisengage the coupling arms 314 a and 314 b and the coupling features onthe compute module cartridge 300 in order to allow the cartridge cap 314to be de-coupled from the compute module cartridge 300.

With reference to FIGS. 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E, a display stand couplingsubsystem 316 may be provided on the compute module cartridge 300, andin the illustrated embodiment includes a mounting bracket 320 includinga first display stand securing member 320 a, with the mounting bracket320 mounted to a base piece 322 by a biasing member 324 that biases thefirst display stand securing member 320 a into the compute modulehousing 304. In the illustrated embodiment, the display stand couplingsubsystem 316 also includes a mounting bracket 326 that defines a seconddisplay stand securing member 326 a, and a release member 328 that iscoupled to the second display stand securing member 326 a and that isbiased by a pair of biasing members 330 away from the second displaystand securing member 326 a. A locking aperture 329 a (e.g., configuredfor the locking device discussed below) and a locking aperture 329 b(e.g., configured for a locking screw, not illustrated herein) aredefined by the side wall 302 c adjacent the release member 328.Furthermore, a cable routing element 332 is coupled to the computemodule cartridge 300 adjacent the cable routing channel 310. However,one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure willappreciate that display stand coupling subsystems that provide thefunctionality of the display stand coupling subsystem 316 discussedbelow may be provided with a variety of different components whileremaining within the scope of the present disclosure as well. Thus,while a specific compute module cartridge 300 is illustrated anddescribed below, one of skill in the art in possession of the presentdisclosure will recognize that compute module cartridges providedaccording to the teachings of the present disclosure may include avariety of components and/or component configurations while remainingwithin the scope of the present disclosure as well.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, and 4G, embodiments of adisplay stand 400 are illustrated that, as discussed below, operates toconnect to the compute module cartridge 300 in the cartridge-basedcomputing system of the present disclosure, while also being configuredto support a display. In the illustrated embodiment, the display stand400 includes a base 402 that is configured to be positioned on a surface(e.g., a desktop). A support member 404 extends from the base 402, andincludes a bottom edge 404 a that engages the base 402, a top edge 404 bthat is located opposite the support member 404 from the bottom edge 404a, a front surface 404 c that extends between the bottom edge 404 a andthe top edge 404 b, a rear surface 404 d that is located opposite thesupport member 404 from the front surface 404 c and that extends betweenthe bottom edge 404 a and the top edge 404 b, and a pair of side edges404 e and 404 f that are located opposite each other on the supportmember 404 and that each extend between the bottom edge 404 a, the topedge 404 b, the front surface 404 c, and the rear surface 404 d. Whilenot called out in the figures with element numbers, one of skill in theart in possession of the present disclosure will recognize how the frontsurface 404 c and/or side surfaces 404 e and 404 f of the display stand400 may include alignment and coupling features (e.g., with some ofthose features visible in FIG. 4C) that are configured to engage thecompute module cartridge 300 in order to align and couple the computemodule cartridge 300 to the support member 404 on the display stand 400.

As illustrated, a cable routing surface 406 may be included on the frontsurface 404 c of the support member 404 adjacent the bottom edge 404 aof the support member 404, and may be configured to align with cabling204 on the compute module 200 when the compute module 200 is coupled tothe display stand 400 via the compute module cartridge 300 (e.g., inorder to allow the cables on that cabling 204 to be routed as discussedin further detail below.) As will be appreciated by one of skill in theart in possession of the present disclosure, the curved/radially rampedsurface of the cable routing surface 406 may provide more room forrouting cabling 204 extending from the compute module 200 in the computemodule cartridge 300 when the compute module cartridge 300 is connectedto the support member 404, and when the cartridge 300 including thecompute module 200 with cables 204 is attached to the display stand 400,the curved surface 406 also allows the cabling 204 to form a curvedbend-radius in the shape of the ramped surface 406, which operates toreduce stress on the cables 204 and interference between the cables 204,the stand 400, and the compute module cartridge 300, ensuring the cables204 exit the back of the stand 400 in an organized manner and that thecartridge 300 installs properly onto the display stand 400. Furthermore,FIG. 4A also illustrated how a cable routing aperture 408 may be definedby the support member 404 and may extend through the support member 404from its front surface 404 c to its rear surface 404 d in order to, forexample, allow cabling (e.g., a display cable) that is coupled to thecompute module 200 to be routed through the display stand 400 in orderto couple to a display.

The embodiments of the display stand 400 provided in FIGS. 4A-4Cillustrate how a cartridge cap engagement element 410 may extend fromthe front surface 404 c of the support member 404 and, as discussedbelow, may be configured to engage the coupling arms 312 a and 312 b onthe cartridge cap 312 (or the coupling arm 314 a on the cartridge cap314) in order to prevent actuation of the coupling arms 312 a and 312 b(or the coupling arm 314 a) and secure the cartridge cap 312 (or thecartridge cap 314) on the compute module cartridge 300, thus securingthe compute module 200 in the compute module cartridge 300. A lockingfeature 411 extends from the front surface 404 c of the support member404 adjacent the cartridge cap engagement element 410, and is configuredto engage the securing element 313 on the cartridge cap 312 to securethe cartridge cap 312 to the display stand 400. Furthermore, a pluralityof guide members 412 a and 412 b may extend from the front surface 404 cof the support member 404 on opposite sides of the cartridge capengagement element 410, with those guide members 412 a and 412 bconfigured to align and guide the compute module cartridge 300 when thecompute module cartridge 300 is coupled to the support member 404 on thedisplay stand 400, discussed in further detail below.

A display mount 413 extends from the rear surface 404 d of the supportmember 404 adjacent its top edge 404 b and, as discussed below, isconfigured to mount to and support a display that may be coupled to thecompute module 200 (e.g., via the cabling 204). Furthermore, FIGS. 4Aand 4B illustrate how the support member 404 includes a couplingsubsystem 414 that is provided on the support member 404 adjacent thebottom edge 404 a, and an embodiment of that coupling subsystem 414 isillustrated in more detail in FIGS. 4D-4F (with FIGS. 4E and 4Fproviding some of the features illustrated in FIG. 4D as transparent inorder to provide a view of the components of the coupling subsystem 414that are obscured in FIG. 4D.)

In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling subsystem 414 includes apair of biasing members 416 and 418 that are located within the supportmember 404 and that extend out of the support member 414 on oppositesides of the cable routing surface 406, with each of the biasing members416 and 418 including a respective biasing element 416 a and 416 b(e.g., springs) that operate to bias the biasing members 416 and 418 outof the support member 414. As discussed below, the biasing elements 416a and 416 b operate to allow the biasing members 416 and 418 to exert aconsistent biasing force on the compute module cartridge 300 when thecompute module cartridge is coupled to/decoupled from the support member404 on the display stand 400, as discussed in further detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling subsystem 414 also includesa securing element 420 that is located within and that is movablycoupled the support member 404. For example, a securing element cover422 is coupled to the support member 404 and confines the securingelement 420, with the securing element 420 movably coupled to thesecuring element cover 422 and the support member 404. The securingelement 420 includes a first end 420 a that is located adjacent to (andconfigured to move into and out of) a securing aperture 422 a that isdefined by the securing element cover 422 and that extends beyond sidesurface 404 e, and a second end 420 b that is located in (and configuredto extend out of) a securing aperture 422 b that is defined by thesecuring element cover 422 and that extends beyond side surface 404 f.As illustrated in FIG. 4E, a biasing element 425 (e.g., a spring) isprovided with the securing element 420 and, as discussed below, mayoperate to bias the securing element 420 such that the first end 420 aof the securing element 420 is not located in the securing aperture 422a and the second end 420 b of the securing element 420 extends from thesecuring aperture 422 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 4D, the display stand 400 may include a lockingsupport 424 that is mounted to the support member 404 adjacent its sidesurface 404 f and bottom edge 404 a, and that defines a locking aperture424 a that is configured to accept a locking device such as, forexample, a KENSINGTON® locking device available from KENSINGTON® of SanMateo, Calif., United States, in order to lock the compute modulecartridge 300 to the display stand 400, and a locking aperture 424 bthat is configured to accept a locking screw in order to lock thecompute module cartridge 300 to the display stand 400, as discussed infurther detail below. However, while a specific display stand 400 isillustrated and described in FIGS. 4A-4G, one of skill in the art inpossession of the present disclosure will appreciate that display standsprovided according to the teachings of the present disclosure mayinclude a variety of components and/or component configurations whileremaining within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , an embodiment of a method 500 for providing acartridge-based computing system is illustrated. As discussed below, thesystems and methods of the present disclosure provide a compute modulecartridge that houses a compute module for an desktop computing system,and that is configured to be connected to a variety of display standsprovided for a computing system family that includes that computemodule. Those display stands may include coupling subsystems thatprovide users a common compute module cartridge coupling and removalexperience, and the compute module cartridge may be configured to be tobe secured to those display stands such that the compute module cannotbe removed. A single cable (e.g., a type-C USB cable) may be utilized toconnect the compute module to a display mounted to the display stand,with that cable transmitting data and power between the display and thecompute module. The compute module and compute module cartridge alsoprovide cable routing features for cabling connected to the computemodule, which may operate to secure and route cables out of the displaystand while allowing the compute module to be coupled to the computemodule cartridge, and the compute module/compute module cartridge to bemounted to the display stand, while the cabling is connected to thecompute module. As such, a cartridge-based computing system is providedthat addresses many issues associated with conventional “all-in-one”computing systems by providing a compute module cartridge that mayconnect different compute modules to different display stands, with thecompute module capable of being utilized as a “stand alone” computer, orincluded in a display stand to mimic an “all-in-one” computing deviceexperience.

The method 500 begins at block 502 where a compute module cartridge iscoupled to a compute module. In an embodiment, at block 502, the computemodule cartridge 300 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3Bis coupled to the compute module 200 discussed above with reference toFIGS. 2A and 2B. For example, FIG. 6A-6F illustrates how the computemodule 200 may be moved into the compute module housing 304 defined bythe compute module cartridge 300 by, for example, positioning the bottomedge 202 d of the compute module 200 adjacent the top edge 302 a of thecompute module cartridge 300 such that the compute module 200 is alignedwith the compute module housing 304, and then moving the compute module200 a direction C into the compute module housing 304. In manyembodiments, the low-friction surface 305 of the compute modulecartridge 300 that is located adjacent the compute module housing 304prevents aesthetic damage (e.g., scratching) of the outer surface of thecompute module 200 during the coupling of the compute module cartridge300 to the compute module 200. While not illustrated in detail, one ofskill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciatehow the compute module 200 and compute module cartridge 300 may beconfigured to provide air gaps, air channels, and/or other airflowpassageways that allow airflow past the compute module 200 and/or itscomponents (e.g., airflow that is received via the airflow channelsdefined by the compute module cartridge 300) in order to providecooling.

FIGS. 6C and 6D illustrate how, once of the compute module 200 islocated in the compute module housing 304, the cartridge cap 312 may bepositioned adjacent the top edge 302 a of the compute module cartridge300 such that the cartridge cap 312 is aligned with the compute modulehousing 304, and then moved in a direction D such that the coupling arms312 a and 312 b on the cartridge cap 312 engage coupling features on thecompute module cartridge 300 to connect the cartridge cap 312 to thecompute module cartridge 300. While not discussed in detail herein, oneof skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure willappreciate how the cartridge cap 314 discussed above with reference toFIG. 3G may be connected to the compute module cartridge 300 in asimilar manner. As discussed above, the side walls 302 b and 302 c onthe compute module cartridge 300 may be provided in the “curved” or“wrap-around” orientation illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6F such that thoseside walls 302 b and 302 c wrap around the compute module 300, which asillustrated and discussed below allows the compute module cartridge300/compute module 200 to integrate and “complete” the display stand 400such that they appears to be a part of the display stand 400, thusallowing the compute module 200 be “hidden in plain sight” as part ofthe computing system of the present disclosure. As will be appreciatedby one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, thecoupling of the compute module cartridge 300 to the compute module 200described above provides a tool-less assembly of the compute modulecartridge 300/compute module 200.

With reference to the embodiment of the compute module 200 illustratedin FIGS. 2A and 2B, in some embodiments the cabling 204 may be connectedto the compute module 200 prior to the coupling of the compute modulecartridge 300 to the compute module 200. However, in other embodiments,the cabling 204 may be connected to the compute module 200 subsequent tothe coupling of the compute module cartridge 300 to the compute module200. As such, the configuration of the compute module cartridge 300provides flexibility with regard to when the cabling 204 is connected tothe compute module 200.

The method 500 then proceeds to block 504 where the compute modulecartridge engages a support member on a display stand and moves in acoupling direction. In an embodiment, at block 504, the compute modulecartridge 300 housing the compute module 200 may be engaged with thesupport member 404 on the display stand 400, and then moved in acoupling direction relative to the support member 404 and towards thecoupling subsystem 414. For example, FIG. 7A illustrate how the computemodule cartridge 300 may be positioned adjacent the display stand 400such that the rear surface 202 b of the compute module 200 housed in thecompute module cartridge 300 is located adjacent the front surface 404 con the support member 404, and one of skill in the art in possession ofthe present disclosure will recognize how the compute module cartridge300 may be moved into engagement with the support member 404 (e.g., toengage alignment and coupling features on the compute module cartridge300 and the support member 404), and then moved in a direction E towardsthe coupling subsystem 414. In a specific example, the engagement of thecompute module cartridge 300 and the support member 404 may include theengagement of the locking feature 411 on the display stand 400 with thesecuring element 313 on the cartridge cap 312, as well as the engagementof the guide members 412 a and 412 b on the front surface 404 c of thesupport member 404 with the compute module cartridge 300/compute module200, which allows the guide members 412 a and 412 b to align and guidethe compute module cartridge 300/compute module 200 as it moves in thedirection E towards the coupling subsystem 414.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of thepresent disclosure, the engagement of the compute module cartridge 300with the support member 404 and the movement of the compute modulecartridge 300 in the direction E and towards the coupling subsystem 414will cause the cartridge cap engagement element 410 on the front surface404 c of the support member 404 to engage the coupling arms 312 a and312 b on the cartridge cap 312 (as well as the engagement of otherfeatures on the display stand 400 and the cartridge cap 312) in order toprevent their movement in the direction A illustrated in FIG. 3F. One ofskill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciatethat preventing the coupling arm 312 a from moving in the direction Awill prevent the coupling arms 312 a and 312 b from being disengagedfrom coupling features on the compute module cartridge 300, thuspreventing the removal of the cartridge cap 312 from the compute modulecartridge 300 and, in turn, preventing the removal of the compute module200 from the compute module cartridge 300 as long as the compute modulecartridge 300 is connected to the support member 404 on the displaystand 400.

The method 500 then proceeds to block 506 where a first display standsecuring member on the compute module cartridge engages a securingaperture defined by the support member. In an embodiment, at block 506and in response to the engagement of the compute module cartridge 300with the support member 404 and the movement of the compute modulecartridge 300 in the direction E and towards the coupling subsystem 414,securing members on the compute module cartridge 300 may engage thecoupling subsystem 414 on the support member 404. For example, FIGS.7B-7E illustrate the first display stand securing member 320 a includedon the compute module cartridge 300 and biased by the biasing member 324(e.g., a spring) towards the support member 404 (when the compute modulecartridge 300 is coupled to the support member 404), the second displaystand securing member 326 a included on the compute module cartridge 300opposite the first display stand securing member 320 a, and the releasemember 328 that is coupled to the second display stand securing member326 a.

Furthermore, FIG. 7B illustrates how the biasing elements 416 a and 416b provide respective biasing forces 706 a and 706 b on their respectivebiasing members 416 and 418 such that, as the compute module cartridge300 is moved in the direction E towards the coupling subsystem 414, thecompute module cartridge 300 engages the biasing members 416 and 418 andis resisted by the biasing forces 706 a and 706 b. FIG. 7C illustrateshow, in response to the engagement of the compute module cartridge 300and the biasing members 416 and 418, the biasing members 416 and 418will move in a direction F to compress their respective biasing elements416 a and 416 b, with the biasing forces 706 a and 706 b operating toprevent racking by providing a consistent force as the compute modulecartridge 300/compute module 200 is connected to (and disconnected from)the coupling subsystem 414. Finally, FIGS. 7D and 7E illustrates how, atblock 506 and once the first display stand securing member 700 on thecompute module cartridge 300 aligns with the securing aperture 422 adefined by the securing element cover 422 on the support member 404, thefirst display stand securing member 320 a will be biased by the biasingmember 324 into the securing aperture 422 a and engages the securingaperture 422 a to secure the first display stand securing member 320 ato the support member 404.

The method 500 then proceeds to block 508 where the first display standsecuring member on the compute module cartridge engages a securingelement in the support member. As also illustrated in FIG. 7D, in anembodiment of block 508 and in response to the first display standsecuring member 422 a engaging the securing aperture 422 a at block 510,the first display stand securing member 320 a on the compute modulecartridge 300 will engage the first end 420 a of the securing element420. As such, the engagement of the compute module cartridge 300 withthe support member 404 and the movement of the compute module cartridge300 in the direction E and towards the coupling subsystem 414 until thefirst display stand securing member 320 a on the compute modulecartridge 300 aligns with the securing aperture 422 a causes the firstdisplay stand securing member 320 a to extend through the securingaperture 422 a and into engagement with the first end 420 a of thesecuring element 420.

The method 500 then proceeds to block 510 where the securing element onthe support member engages a second display stand securing member in thecompute module cartridge. As also illustrated in FIGS. 7D and 7E, in anembodiment of block 510 and in response to the engagement of the firstdisplay stand securing member 320 a with the first end 420 a of thesecuring element 420, the securing element 420 will move in a directionG such that the second end 420 b of the securing element 420 extends outof the securing aperture 422 b defined by the securing element cover 422on the support member 404 and into engagement with the second displaystand securing member 326 a on the compute module cartridge 300. Assuch, the engagement of the compute module cartridge 300 with thesupport member 404 and the movement of the compute module cartridge 300in the direction E and towards the coupling subsystem 414 until thefirst display stand securing member 320 a on the compute modulecartridge 300 aligns with the securing aperture 422 a causes the firstdisplay stand securing member 320 a to extend through the securingaperture 422 a and into engagement with the first end 420 a of thesecuring element 420 to move the securing element in the couplingdirection G until the second end 420 b of the securing element 420extends through the securing aperture 422 b and into engagement with thesecond display stand securing member 326 a.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of thepresent disclosure, the engagement of the first display stand securingmember 320 a and the securing aperture 422 a and the engagement of thesecond end 420 b of the securing element 420 with the second displaystand securing member 326 a operates to secure the compute modulecartridge 300 to the support member 404 on the display stand 400 as longas the first display stand securing member 320 a engages the securingaperture 422 a and the second end 420 b of the securing element 420engages the second display stand securing member 326 a. Furthermore, theengagement of the first display stand securing member 320 a with thesecuring aperture 422 a and the engagement of the second end 420 b ofthe securing element 420 with the second display stand securing member326 a may be configured to create an audible noise or “click” thatprovides an indication to a user that the compute module cartridge300/compute module 200 is secured to the display stand 400. Furtherstill, the engagement of the cartridge cap engagement element 410 on thefront surface 404 c of the support member 404 with the coupling arms 312a and 312 b on the cartridge cap 312 (discussed above) secure thecompute module 200 in the compute module cartridge 300 as long as thecompute module cartridge 300 is secured to the support member 404 on thedisplay stand 400. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art inpossession of the present disclosure, the coupling of the compute modulecartridge 300/compute module 200 to the display stand 400 as describedabove provides for a tool-less assembly of the compute module cartridge300/compute module 200 and the display stand 400.

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, with the compute module cartridge 300/computemodule 200 connected to the support member 404 on the display stand 400,the compute module cartridge 300 provides an integrated portion of thedisplay stand 400 that, as discussed above, “completes” the displaystand 400 such that the compute module cartridge 300/compute module 200appears to be part of the display stand 400, thus hiding the computemodule 200 is “in-plain-sight”. Furthermore, a display 800 may bemounted to the display mount 413 and coupled to the compute module 200via cabling 204 that may be routed through the cable routing aperture408 defined by the support member 404. Further still, FIG. 8Billustrates how the cabling 204 extending from the bottom edge 202 d ofthe compute module 200 may be routed between the cable routing channel310 defined by the compute module cartridge 300 and the cable routingsurface 406 located on the front surface 404 c of the support member404.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of thepresent disclosure, the cable routing channel 310 defined by the computemodule cartridge 300 and the cable routing surface 406 located on thefront surface 404 c of the support member 404 allow the compute modulecartridge 300/compute module 200 to be connected to the display stand400 as discussed above with the cabling 204 connected to the computemodule 200, and may be configured to “clamp” the cabling 204 in order toroute and manage that cabling 204. Furthermore, either or both of thecompute module cartridge 300 and support member 404 may include featuresto enable or enhance the clamping and routing of the cabling 204 whileremaining within the scope of the present disclosure as well. However,while the compute module cartridge 300/compute module 200 areillustrated and described above as being connected to a particulardisplay stand (e.g., the display stand 400), one of skill in the art inpossession of the present disclosure will recognize how an ecosystem ofdisplay stands and mounting solutions may be provided for the computemodule 200, and the compute module cartridge 300 may be configured toconnect to any of those display stands.

For example, FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative display stand systemincluding a base 900, a display stand 902 extending from the base 900,and a display mount 904 extending from the display stand 902, and one ofskill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciatethat the display stand 902 may include at least some of the featuresdiscussed above as being included on the display stand 400 in order toallow the compute module cartridge 300/compute module 200 to beconnected to the display stand 902 and coupled to a display 906 that ismounted to the display mount 904 while remaining within the scope of thepresent disclosure as well. In another example, FIG. 10 illustrates howthe compute module cartridge 300/compute module 200 may be connected toa wall mount (not visible in FIG. 10 ) that may include at least some ofthe features discussed above as being included on the display stand 400in order to allow the compute module cartridge 300/compute module 200 tobe connected to the wall mount. For example, some of the inventors ofthe present disclosure describe the coupling of a computing device towall mounts in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/946,639, attorneydocket no. 118291.01, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In yet another example, FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate alternative displaystand systems each including a base 1100, a display stand 1102 extendingfrom the base 1100, and display mounts 1104 a and 1104 b extending fromthe display stand 1102, and one of skill in the art in possession of thepresent disclosure will appreciate that the display stand 1102 mayinclude at least some of the features discussed above as being includedon the display stand 400 in order to allow the compute module cartridge300/compute module 200 to be connected to the display stand 1102.Furthermore, one of skill in the art in possession of the presentdisclosure will appreciate how the display mount 1104 a may be a singlemonitor display mount that is configured to mount to a display 1106 thatmay be coupled to the compute module 200, while the display mount 1104 bmay be a dual monitor display mount that is configured to mount to apair of displays 1108 a and 1108 b that may be coupled to the computemodule 200, while remaining within the scope of the present disclosureas well. However, while the compute module cartridge 300/compute module200 is illustrated and discussed as being connected to several differentdisplay stands and mounting solutions, one of skill in the art inpossession of the present disclosure will appreciate that that otherdisplay stands and/or mounting solutions may be provided for the computemodule cartridge 300/compute module 200 while remaining within the scopeof the present disclosure as well. As such, the compute module cartridge300 may be configured to connect to a variety of display stands and/ormounting solutions in order to enable a user to easily transfer thecompute module 200 between display stands and/or mounting solutions andacross different working environments as desired.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, an embodiment of the compute modulecartridge 300 is illustrated that includes the side wall 302 c of thecompute module cartridge 300 defining the locking aperture 329 a thataligns with the locking aperture 424 a defined by the locking support424 on the display stand 400 when the compute module cartridge 300 issecured to the support member 404, and one of skill in the art inpossession of the present disclosure will appreciate how a lockingdevice (e.g., a KENSINGTON® locking device as discussed above) may beprovided in each of the locking apertures 329 a and 424 a in order tolock the compute module cartridge 300/compute module 200 to the displaystand 400. While not illustrated herein, one of skill in the art inpossession of the present disclosure will appreciate how a locking screwmay be provided in the locking aperture 329 b to provide similar lockingfunctionality as well. Furthermore, one of skill in the art inpossession of the present disclosure will appreciate how the locking ofthe compute module cartridge 300/compute module 200 to the display stand400 prevents the removal of the compute module 200 from the computemodule cartridge 300 due to the engagement of the cartridge capengagement element 410 and the coupling arms 312 a and 312 b on thecartridge cap 312, and thus how the locking device discussed above mayprevent access to the compute module 200 as well.

The method 500 then proceeds to block 512 where a release member on thecompute module cartridge is actuated and engages the securing element inthe support member. In an embodiment, at block 512 and following thesecuring of the compute module cartridge 300/compute module 200 to thesupport member 404 on the display stand 400, a user may wish todisconnect the compute module cartridge 300/compute module 200 from thesupport member 404 on the display stand 400. As will be appreciated byone of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, insituations where the compute module cartridge 300 is locked to thedisplay stand 400 via a locking device (e.g., via the a KENSINGTON®locking device as discussed above), that locking device must first beremoved from the locking apertures 329 a and 424 a defined by the sidewall 302 c of the compute module cartridge 300, and the locking support424, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 13A, in order to disconnectthe compute module cartridge 300/compute module 200 from the supportmember 404 on the display stand 400 at block 512, the user may provide aforce 1300 on the release member 328 that causes the release member 328to move in a direction H and engage the second end 420 a of the securingelement 420.

The method 500 then proceeds to block 514 where the securing elementdisengages the second display stand securing member on the computemodule cartridge. In an embodiment, at block 514 and in response tocontinued application of the force 1300 on the release member 328 thatcauses the release member 328 to move in a direction H, the second end420 a of the securing element 420 will move opposite the direction G(illustrated in FIG. 7E) and into the securing aperture 422 a defined bythe securing element cover 422 on the support member 404, and willdisengage the second display stand securing member 326 a.

The method 500 then proceeds to block 516 where the securing elementengages the first display stand securing member on the compute modulecartridge. As illustrated in FIG. 13B, in an embodiment of block 516 andin response to the engagement of the release member 328 with the secondend 420 b of the securing element 420 to move the securing element 420,the first end 420 a of the securing element 420 will engage the firstdisplay stand securing member 320 a and move the first display standsecuring member 320 a out of the securing aperture 422 a defined by thesupport member 404 such that the first display stand securing member 320a disengages the securing aperture 422 a. As will be appreciated by oneof skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, theorientation of the securing element 420 illustrated in FIG. 13B allowsthe respective biasing forces 706 a and 706 b provided by the biasingelements 416 a and 416 b on their respective biasing members 416 and 418to cause those biasing members 416 and 418 to push the compute modulecartridge 300/compute module 200 in the direction of the biasing forces706 a and 706 b and partially away from the coupling subsystem 414 onthe support member 404 in order to provide a “partial eject” of thecompute module cartridge 300/compute module 200 that indicates to theuser that the compute module cartridge 300/compute module 200 is nowdisconnected from the display stand 400.

As such, the compute module cartridge 300/compute module 200 is nowdisconnected from the support member 404 on the display stand 400, andthus a user may then remove the compute module cartridge 300/computemodule 200 from the display stand 400 following block 516. Furthermore,FIG. 13A illustrates how the release member 328 may include a catchfeature 1302 that is configured to engage a release member catch element1304 on the support member 404 in order to hold the release member 328in the release orientation illustrated in FIG. 13A when the releasemember 328 is actuated. As such, the release member 328 may remainactuated after the force 1300 is removed to allow the compute modulecartridge 300/compute module 200 to be removed from the support member404 without having to simultaneously provide the force 1300 on therelease member 328.

However, while a specific cartridge-based computing system has beendescribed, one of skill in the art in possession of the presentdisclosure will recognize that a wide variety of modification to thecartridge-based computing system discussed above will fall within thescope of the present disclosure as well. For example, rather than thesingle button latching coupling subsystem 414 described above, thecoupling subsystem on the display stand 400 may be enabled by a“push-push” latching system that allows the compute module 200/computemodule cartridge 300 to be connected to the support member 404 on thedisplay stand 400 by pushing the compute module 200/compute modulecartridge 300 into engagement with the push-push latching system (whichmay be accompanied by an audible “click” to confirm the connection ofthe compute module 200/compute module cartridge 300 to be connected tothe support member 404). Furthermore, one of skill in the art inpossession of the present disclosure will recognize how such a push-pushlatching system may allow the compute module 200/compute modulecartridge 300 to be disconnected from the support member 404 on thedisplay stand 400 by again pushing the compute module 200/compute modulecartridge 300 into engagement with the push-push latching system (whichmay then “partially eject” the compute module 200/compute modulecartridge 300 from the support member 404 similarly as discussed abovein order to confirm the disconnection of the compute module 200/computemodule cartridge 300 from the support member 404). Finally, one of skillin the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate howsuch a push-push latching system may be locked to prevent thedisconnection of the compute module 200/compute module cartridge 300from the support member 404 similarly as discussed above.

Thus, systems and methods have been described that provide a computemodule cartridge that houses a compute module for a computing system andthat is configured to be connected to a variety of display standsprovided for a computing system family that includes that computemodule. Those display stands may include coupling subsystems thatprovide users a common compute module cartridge coupling and removalexperience, and the compute module cartridge may be configured to be tobe secured to those display stands such that the compute module cannotbe removed from the compute module cartridge. A single cable (e.g., atype-C USB cable) may be utilized to connect the compute module to adisplay mounted to the display stand, with that cable transmitting dataand power between the display and the compute module. The compute moduleand compute module cartridge may also provide cable routing for cablingconnected to the compute module, which may operate to secure and routecables out of the display stand, while allowing the compute module to becoupled to the compute module cartridge, and the compute module/computemodule cartridge to be mounted to the display stand, while the cablingis connected to the compute module. As such, a cartridge-based computingsystem is provided that addresses many issues associated withconventional computing systems by, for example, providing a computemodule cartridge that may connect different compute modules to differentdisplay stands, with that compute module capable of operating as a“stand-alone” computer, or included in a display stand to provide an“all-in-one” desktop computing experience.

Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a widerange of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in theforegoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of theembodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of otherfeatures. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims beconstrued broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of theembodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cartridge-based computing system, comprising: acompute module cartridge that includes a mount securing subsystem andthat is configured to house a compute module; a mount that includes acartridge securing subsystem that is configured to engage the mountsecuring subsystem on the compute module cartridge in order to securethe compute module cartridge to the mount; and a release subsystem thatis configured to disengage the cartridge securing subsystem on the mountfrom the mount securing subsystem on the compute module cartridge inorder to allow the compute module cartridge to be disconnected from themount.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the mount includes: a cartridgecap engagement element that is configured to engage a cartridge cap onthe compute module cartridge when the compute module cartridge isconnected to the mount in order to prevent removal of the cartridge capfrom the compute module cartridge and secure a compute module that ishoused in the compute module cartridge.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the release subsystem is configured to remain in a releaseorientation when the release subsystem is actuated to disengage thecartridge securing subsystem on the mount from the mount securingsubsystem on the compute module cartridge until the compute modulecartridge is disconnected from the mount.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the mount includes: a cartridge locking subsystem that isconfigured to accept a lock device in order to lock the compute modulecartridge to the mount.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the mountincludes one of a display stand or a wall mount.
 6. The system of claim1, wherein the mount includes: at least one biasing subsystem that isconfigured to engage the compute module cartridge when the computemodule cartridge is connected to the mount in order to provide a biasingforce on the compute module cartridge, and wherein the biasing force isconfigured to move the compute module cartridge out of the mount whenthe cartridge securing subsystem on the mount is disengaged from themount securing subsystem on the compute module cartridge.
 7. AnInformation Handling System (IHS), comprising: a compute module thatincludes: a processing system; and a memory system that is coupled tothe processing system and that includes instructions that, when executedby the processing system, cause the processing system to providecomputing operations; a compute module cartridge that includes a mountsecuring subsystem and that is configured to house the compute module; amount that includes a cartridge securing subsystem that is configured toengage the mount securing subsystem on the compute module cartridge inorder to secure the compute module cartridge to the mount; and a releasesubsystem that is configured to disengage the cartridge securingsubsystem on the mount from the mount securing subsystem on the computemodule cartridge in order to allow the compute module cartridge to bedisconnected from the mount.
 8. The IHS of claim 7, wherein the mountincludes: a cartridge cap engagement element that is configured toengage a cartridge cap on the compute module cartridge when the computemodule cartridge is connected to the mount in order to prevent removalof the cartridge cap from the compute module cartridge and secure thecompute module when the compute module is housed in the compute modulecartridge.
 9. The IHS of claim 7, wherein the release subsystem isconfigured to remain in a release orientation when the release subsystemis actuated to disengage the cartridge securing subsystem on the mountfrom the mount securing subsystem on the compute module cartridge untilthe compute module cartridge is disconnected from the mount.
 10. The IHSof claim 7, wherein the mount includes: a cartridge locking subsystemthat is configured to accept a lock device in order to lock the computemodule cartridge to the mount.
 11. The IHS of claim 7, wherein the mountincludes one of a display stand or a wall mount.
 12. The IHS of claim 7,wherein the mount includes: at least one biasing subsystem that isconfigured to engage the compute module cartridge when the computemodule cartridge is connected to the mount in order to provide a biasingforce on the compute module cartridge, and wherein the biasing force isconfigured to move the compute module cartridge out of the mount whenthe cartridge securing subsystem on the mount is disengaged from themount securing subsystem on the compute module cartridge.
 13. The IHS ofclaim 7, wherein the mount includes: a mount cable routing subsystem isconfigured to engage cables connected to the compute module when thecompute module is housed in the compute module cartridge in order toroute the cables from the mount.
 14. A method for providing acartridge-based computing system, comprising: connecting, by a mount, toa compute module cartridge that houses a compute module; engaging, by acartridge securing subsystem that is included on the mount in responseto the connection of the compute module cartridge to the mount, with amount securing subsystem that is included on the compute modulecartridge in order to secure the compute module cartridge to the mount;and disengaging, by the cartridge securing subsystem that is included onthe mount and in response to actuation of a release subsystem, from themount securing subsystem on the compute module cartridge in order toallow the compute module cartridge to be disconnected from the mount.15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: engaging, by a cartridgecap engagement element that is included on the mount, with a cartridgecap on the compute module cartridge when the compute module cartridge isconnected to the mount in order to prevent removal of the cartridge capfrom the compute module cartridge and secure the compute module in thecompute module cartridge.
 16. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising: remaining, by the release subsystem when the releasesubsystem is actuated to disengage the cartridge securing subsystem onthe mount from the mount securing subsystem on the compute modulecartridge, in a release orientation until the compute module cartridgeis disconnected from the mount.
 17. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising: accepting, by a cartridge locking subsystem that is includedon the mount, a lock device in order to lock the compute modulecartridge to the mount.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the mountincludes one of a display stand or a wall mount.
 19. The method of claim14, further comprising: engaging, by at least one biasing subsystem thatis included on the mount, with the compute module cartridge when thecompute module cartridge is connected to the mount in order to provide abiasing force on the compute module cartridge; and moving, by the atleast one biasing subsystem via the biasing force, the compute modulecartridge out of the mount when the cartridge securing subsystem on themount is disengaged from the mount securing subsystem on the computemodule cartridge.
 20. The method of claim 14, further comprising:engaging, by a mount cable routing subsystem that is included on themount, cables connected to the compute module in order to route thecables from the mount.